Derby County midfielder Max Bird has reportedly edged closer to a future move to Chelsea.
While Bird has made just 17 outings in the Championship since breaking into the first-team setup, the 19-year-old is no stranger to Blues boss Frank Lampard.
The youngster was provided with regular opportunities under Lampard at Pride Park last season - an indication that the former England star rates the prospect.
Having previously been linked with an offer for Bird, TodoFichajes claims that Chelsea have struck a deal with the Rams worth £4.8m.
Although that is said to be marginally short of Derby's initial asking price, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic will inevitably reduce transfer fees during the next window.
Since the turn of the year, Bird has regularly featured alongside Wayne Rooney in Derby's midfield, which has led to an improvement in the club's form at the second tier.
Darren Plant
